Homemade Cookies for the Pitch-in

There is always room on the dessert table for easy snacks on the go, and nothing fits the bill better than homemade cookies. Here are some of our favorite recipes that are always a hit at every pitch-in.

SnowballsThese cookies are known by many names, but they are snowballs to us, and they have been a family favorite for decades. These are a joy to make, go together quickly, and bake for only a few minutes. Cream together butter, sugar, vanilla, and your choice of almonds or pecans, and roll them in powdered sugar, and you’ll have a new family favorite! Get the recipe here.

Peanut Butter CookiesPeanut butter cookies served warm have always been a favorite around our house! These cookies taste great without the additional sprinkle of sugar on top, but they do have some additional eye appeal with those sparkling crystals on the surface. These are good any time, but, for the youngsters, they take on a whole new dimension when served alongside a cup of hot chocolate for dipping! The recipe is located here.

Spritz CookiesLea has been making these cookies since before we had children. They are one of her favorite Christmas cookies. She often colors the dough with a few drops of green food coloring and sprinkles them with red colored sugar. The green Christmas trees really look nice on a tray of Christmas goodies. The recipe is located here.

Snicker Doodle CookiesThe Snicker Doodle is a classic cookie, and is a very widely available old-fashioned recipe. But, you just can’t argue with delicious! So, although this may be a recipe that exists in every cookbook, old and new, and on every baking site, here is the version we have used for years. If nothing else, this is simply a reminder of how delicious cinnamon, sugar and butter can be when creamed together! This was one of our children’s favorites, and now the grandsons clamour for them. The recipe is located here.
–Chewy Oatmeal CookiesChewy and moist, these cookies are the basis for so many potential variations it challenges the imagination. You could add chocolate chips, if you like, or your favorite dried fruit, chopped nuts. Or, use canned pumpkin, mashed banana or applesauce to moisten. Instead of vanilla extract, you can substitute with 3 tablespoons of dark rum. This cookie is so versatile, you can use it as the basis for a whole cookie section with endless varieties of variations. Find the basic recipe here.

We all have friends and acquaintances who are known for one or two dishes that are their specialty and theirs is the oft requested contribution for every pitch-in. Perhaps one of these recipes will become “your” dish! Have some fun, and give them a whirl!